Boys give up their birthday money to help the homeless

TWO young brothers have given up their birthday money to help the homeless.

Ten-year-old Sammy and six-year-old Noah Shellard were sad to hear about how some people had nowhere to go during the festive break.

Both boys, who were born in December, were so moved by the thought that they decided to give up some of their birthday money to buy two sleeping bags, umbrellas and socks.

Their purchases were then taken to the Caring at Christmas shelter set up in Downend.

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The boys were told about the plight of the homeless by mum Rish, who had seen an appeal on the Bromley Heath community Facebook page by resident Emily Beer for clothes, food and sleeping bag for the homeless.

Mrs Shellard said: "I just told Sammy that I thought it was really sad that some people were homeless and had nowhere to stay at Christmas.

"Sammy just looked at me and said he had money because it had been his birthday so we could help and told Noah he could help as well – and Noah does what his big brother says.

"I think they didn't like the thought of someone not being somewhere warm at Christmas.

"So we all went to the shops and bought umbrellas, socks and two sleeping bags and took them all down to the shelter along with clothes from my husband Simon."

Mrs Shellard said she was very proud of how her boys reacted to the plight of the homeless.

"My boys are very lucky," she said.

"They live in a nice house in a nice area, go on nice holidays.

"What is great is they recognise how very lucky they are.

"Now Noah is talking about going into school and holding a cake sale to raise more money.

"We are very, very proud of them."

Mother-of-one Emily Beer, who appealed on the community website for donations to the homeless shelter, added: "What those two children have done is wonderful – there are not a lot of children who would do that.

"I think they are both an inspiration to a generation of young people. People are quick to criticise young people but Sammy and Noah are absolutely brilliant.

"If my son turns out to be half as lovely as them I will be a happy lady."

She added: "I have always been passionate about helping the homeless as I think people, don't realise how easy it is to find yourselves in that situation."

Caring at Christmas is a registered charity that helps homeless people at Christmas and throughout the year with accommodation, food, medical services and entertainment.